ADMHLifesaBeach - G) Risk Factors and Protective Factors

Shared Risk Factors (Warren, 2009)

Occur in times of transition or stress
Common brain chemistry
Common family history ie. parents
Low self esteem, depression, anxiety, impulsivity
Poor coping skills re: emotions, personal issues, etc.
History of sexual or physical abuse ie. child abuse
Unhealthy parental behaviors and low monitoring of childrens' activities
Unhealthy peer norms and social pressures
Susceptibility to messages from advertising and entertainment media
Experience trauma ie. PTSD
Family problems or relationship issues

Shared Protective Factors (Warren, 2009)

Strong and positive family bonds
Parental monitoring of activities and peers
Clear rules of conduct that are consistently enforced within the family
Involvement of parents in the lives of their children
Success in school performance; strong bonds with institutions, such as school and religious organizations
Adoption of conventional norms about health
Increased parental presence in the home
High self-esteem

Shared Characteristics

(Warren, 2009)

Obsessive preoccupation, craving, compulsive behavior, secretiveness, rituals
Having an apparent lack of control regarding the behaviour
Experience mood altering effects, social isolation
Linked to other psychiatric disorders, suicide
Difficult to treat (ie. denial), life threatening
Chronic diseases with high relapse rates
Require intensive therapy
Used to self-medicate/numb unwanted emotions (ie. shame, guilt)